BB defend FAM GS’ appointment

Nyasa Big Bullets have defended their move to appoint Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary (GS) Suzgo Nyirenda into their commercialisation committee.

This follows concerns from some quarters that it would create conflict of interest.

But Bullets general secretary Kelvin Moyo justified the move, saying the club wants to benefit from the FAM GS’ expertise.

“I do not think there will be any conflict of interest here because this committee has been set up for a specific purpose and it will operate for only 30 days, it is not a standing committee.

“He [Nyirenda] has lots of experience in club licensing system and we will require his input. It would have been a problem if we had appointed someone from Sulom [Super League of Malawi], because we are directly affiliated to them, but not FAM,” he argued.

However, soccer pundit Humphrey Mvula said while it is commendable that Bullets have swiftly moved in the commercialisation drive, “the involvement of the FAM GS raises eyebrows because he is the ultimate administrative boss of football in the land, hence clubs should look at him as a neutral arbitrator capable of treating clubs equally at all times.

“Even if the decision could have been based on tapping from his expertise, how would he take part in processing the initiative once it is presented to FAM for final vetting or subsequent approval? Probably both parties overlooked the sensitivity of the development.”

But Nyirenda yesterday said he had not yet accepted his appointment as he was yet to get communication from Bullets.

“Of course, as FAM we are obliged to provide technical advice and guidance to clubs on how they can handle such issues. So, if they seek our assistance, management and not me as GS, will be at their disposal because that is why we occupy these offices,” he said.

Bullets have come up with a special committee to analyse the club’s viability as a commercial entity to potential investors. n